Parents Sally and Wayne say inspirational four-year-old Ruby Hodgson will need surgery again after her tumour returned for the third time

The parents of brave Ruby Hodgson are facing the devastating news that their four-year-old daughter’s brain tumour has returned.

After first being diagnosed at just 22 months old, Ruby has already battled back from numerous operations and a course of pioneering proton therapy in America.

But parents Sally and Wayne, of Redcar, said on the Ruby’s Wish Facebook page: “Sadly on Thursday following Ruby’s five month routine scan we received devastating news that Ruby’s tumour has returned for a third time.

“So once again our little princess will face a very tough couple of weeks and have further surgery to remove the tumour.

“There are lots of details still to be discussed regarding follow up treatment but her surgery will most likely occur on Thursday.

“Many thanks for your messages of support, we do read each and every one of them and we draw strength from them.”

In 2011, Sally and Wayne found out that Ruby, then aged just 22 months, had a brain tumour.

After surgery at Newcastle RVI, Ruby needed a year of intensive chemotherapy.

She also recovered from the stomach bug C. difficile which left her on a ventilator and her life hanging in the balance.

Her heartbroken family found out in January 2013 that her tumour had returned and jetted out with her to Florida in March that year for intensive proton therapy treatment, after well-wishers had helped raise £70,000.

The pioneering therapy – which can treat hard–to–reach cancers such as spinal tumours – won’t be available in Britain until 2018.